Automatic self cleaning bladder relief and hydration system

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an automatic or semi-automatic bladder relief and hydration system, designed to increase sanitation and comfort for users that require disposal of urine and hydration in the absence of sanitary facilities or potable fluids. This invention incorporates an inflatable urine collection means that may be deflated after use. A dual chambered back pack stores urine and potable fluid and/or liquid food. This invention incorporates disposable batteries integrated into a disposable urine storage bag. The disposable urine storage bag has a cleaning fluid chamber with a directional valve and pump system that automatically rinses and sanitizes the pump, hoses, collection means and the user with cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid chamber. The disposable urine storage bag also contains absorbent polymer crystals capable of absorbing the urine as it is deposited in the bag during use.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application is a Continuation-In-Part of the patent applicationU.S. Ser. No. 10/885,355, filed Jul. 6, 2004, which is in turn aContinuation-In-Part of the patent application U.S. Ser. No. 10/418,852,filed Apr. 18, 2003, which is in turn a Continuation-In-Part of patentapplication U.S. Ser. No. 10/369,240 filed Feb. 19, 2003 (now issuedU.S. Pat. No. 6,706,027) which claimed priority from Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/359,672 which was filed on Feb. 26, 2002.

BACKGROUND ART

The use of human urinary collection and disposal systems is known in theprior art. For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,508 (Washington, 1989)discloses a ladies' external catheter assembly, however this device doesnot use a vacuum pump for drainage or utilize a moisture sensor. AlsoU.S. Pat. No. 4,610,675 (Triunfol, 1986) teaches a device for collectingfluid discharged from female organs that is designed solely forincontinent women, not female aircrew members and the design includes apad, vacuum pump and liquid sensor, however, the pad is more invasivebecause it is formed of plastic and has ridges to move the labia to anopen position for free flow of liquid. The vacuum pump of the Triunfolpatent is powered by an electrical outlet and does teach batteryoperation of these devices. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,631 (Marx, Sep. 2,1997) a male external catheter assembly with vacuum retention isdisclosed wherein a male external catheter attachment incorporates avacuum or a means to produce reduced pressure to aid in installing andkeeping the device in place. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,977 (Marx, Mar. 19,1996) teaches another form of male external catheter with vacuum assistutilizing a rubber bulb that functions as a vacuum. As such, the basicconcept of bladder discharge collection systems and their use aredisclosed.

There are no acceptable bladder relief systems for incontinent adults.Urinary incontinence affects more than 13 million Americans in communityand institutional settings. Thirty-eight percent ofnon-institutionalized patients older than 60 years of age experiencedurinary incontinence, and almost 50 percent of institutionalizedpatients. The annual costs of bladder control problems in the UnitedStates for people older than 65 years of age was estimated at $26.3billion in 1995, or $3,565 per affected person. Many incontinent malesuse commercially available diapers, which cannot contain urine frommultiple urinations, and become heavy and uncomfortable when wet.

Additionally in both military and enviro-hazard situations, personnelare forced to work in so-called Chem-suits which completely protect theuser from exposure to environmental and chemical hazard exposure. Theproblem with these Chem-suits (also called Hazmat suits) is that a userhas no means of urine disposal of hydration without exposing a portionof their body to potentially dangerous biological and chemical agents.In most situations that military and environmental hazard workers findthemselves, they are often unable to escape the hazard for extendedperiods of time creating a significant health risk from dehydration andbladder strain if the user fails to urinate, or irritation anddiscomfort if the user urinates in the Chem-suit without a containmentmeans. It has been observed that users of Chem-suits while in trainingwill routinely expose parts of their body to urinate or hydrate, whichif in a real life hazard situation could cost them their life.

In high heat environments the users of Chem-suits experience rapiddehydration. Some attempts have been made to utilize canteens that areexternally mounted to the suit, however, these applications are quitelimited in the capacity of water that can be practically carried.Furthermore the hip mounted aspect of these canteen configurations arecumbersome and often get in the way of a user trying to work in aChem-suit that is already cumbersome without a further protrusion fromthe hip.

While each of these prior art patents disclose bladder relief systemswhich fulfill their respective particular objectives and requirements,and are most likely quite functional for their intended purposes, itwill be noticed that none of the prior art cited disclose an apparatusand/or method that allow a user the comfort of automatic operationwithout the necessity of exposing parts of their body to hazardousmaterials, while also allowing the user to hydrate as well. As such,there apparently still exists the need for new and improved bladderrelief system to maximize the benefits to the user and minimize therisks of injury from its use.

There is also no acceptable bladder relief system for male aircrewmembers flying extended flight operations in single or dual-seat fighterand reconnaissance aircraft that do not have toilet facilities. Maleaircrew members use two types of bladder relief devices, “piddle pack”bag systems and uncomfortable external catheters with tubing. The entireprocedure for using the piddle pack takes several minutes. During thisprocedure the pilot is significantly distracted from flying theaircraft, which can place both himself and his aircraft in danger. Thecurrent piddle pack bag system can also be dangerous to use if the pilotneeds to eject from the aircraft while urinating. The optimum bladderrelief system would allow the pilot to eject from the aircraft evenwhile urinating, which would require it to be hands-free and at leastsemi-automatic. In this respect, the present invention disclosed hereinsubstantially fulfills this need.

None of the prior art teaches a device that self cleans the urinepumping unit. The high concentration of urea and ammonia in decomposingurine is very destructive to pumps that are utilized to transport urineas well as the tubing and collection means utilized by these devices.Also, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that also rinsesand sanitizes the exposed skin of the user after urination. Prolongedexposure to urine can cause irritation and possible infection. In thisrespect, the present invention disclosed herein substantially fulfillsthese needs as well.

A significant problem with the prior art devices that have selfcontained powering systems, such as rechargeable batteries, is thatusers often neglect to recharge the unit and when the unit is needed itfails to work because the batteries have not been recharged. Thereforethere is a significant need in the art for a device that has a reliablepower source that minimizes if not eliminates a failure of the unitbecause of user error or neglect to properly maintain the power systemin a charged state. In this respect, the present invention disclosedherein substantially fulfills this need.

There are many applications where people work in environments whereurination and hydration are just not available because of thecircumstances of the work they are doing. From Pilots to Hazmat workers,these men and women will often be unable to urinate or hydrate forseveral hours at a time. Without the ability to urinate or hydrate aperson is at significant risk of injuring themselves. Very often theseindividuals are making life and death decisions which may very easily becompromised by virtue of the simple biological limitations that allhumans possess. Therefore there is also a significant need for anautomatic bladder relief system that utilizes a hydration means as well.

In the case of Pilots, an automated or semi-automated bladder reliefdevice is important not just for the aircrew member's comfort, healthand safety, but also for the safety of the aircraft and squadron. Thecurrent invention will significantly reduce the pilot's distraction ordowntime during bladder relief and hydration, which will improve pilotand aircraft safety.

Similarly, there is also no acceptable bladder relief system for femaleaircrew members flying extended flight operations in aircraft that donot have toilet or hydration facilities. Male aircrew members use twotypes of bladder relief devices, piddle pack bag systems and externalcatheters with tubing. Female aircrew members cannot use thecatheter/tubing assemblies designed for males. Instead, most usecommercially available adult diapers. These diapers have the followingdrawbacks:

-   -   1 Neither the Disposable Absorption Containment Device (DACD)        developed by NASA nor commercially available diapers have the        capacity to hold the 1000 cc of urine produced during some long        duration flights.    -   2 High g maneuvers force the female aircrew member downward into        the seat, displacing urine from the diaper and leaving the        female to sit in a wet flight suit and seat for the duration of        the flight.    -   3 Prolonged exposure to urine can cause skin irritation and may        develop into more serious conditions such as ulcers.

In this respect, the present invention disclosed herein substantiallycorrects these problems and fulfills the need for such a device.

Lastly the present invention may also be effectively used by passengersin aircraft without toilet or hydration facilities, glider pilots,non-ambulatory patients, incontinent adults, astronauts, rescue workersin hazmat suits, and long-distance truckers and race car drivers.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the known types ofbladder relief and hydration systems now present in the prior art, thepresent invention provides an apparatus that has been designed toprovide a source of potable hydration and automatically orsemi-automatically collect urine in an environmentally challengingsetting in a sanitary, safe and comfortable manner which areimprovements which are patently distinct over similar devices andmethods which may already be patented or commercially available. Assuch, the general purpose of the present invention, which will bedescribed subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a field designedapparatus and method of use that incorporates the present invention.There are many additional novel features directed to solving problemsnot addressed in the prior art.

To attain this the present invention generally comprises a potable fluidcontainment and user delivery means, a secure gender specific leakproofurine collection means, a fluid sensing unit, a suction means, and astorage and disposal means.

Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

unlike the prior art urinary collection and disposal systems the presentinvention provides an automated or semi-automated collection system witha large urinary storage capacity. Also, unlike prior art this inventiondoes provide a comfortable collection system that requires nomanipulation to utilize leaving the user's hand free for vital tasks;

one embodiment of the present invention also provides for an inflatableurine collection or depository means that provides for maximum comfortfor the user by allowing the urine collection or depository means to bemaintained in its deflated condition while not in use thus minimizingthe bulk and discomfort of prior art urine collection or depositorysystems and yet providing an effective leak resistant urine collectionor depository area for evacuation by a urine transport means wheninflated;

in yet another embodiment of the inflatable urine collection ordepository means, air cushion tubing surrounds an open cell foam as afailsafe measure in the event of a failure of the inflation pump, suchthat a user may slightly elevate their body allowing the air cushiontubing to decompress as the open cell foam takes on its decompressedshape and size once relieved of the user's body weight thereby formingan effective leak resistant urine collection or depository area forevacuation by a urine transport means when inflated;

also unlike prior art urine collection or depository means theinflatable embodiment of the present invention may have more than oneair cushion tube in the event that another air cushion tube fails toinflate or ruptures;

in the most preferred embodiment this invention automatically detectsthe completion of urination and the pump mechanism reverses itselfclosing the one way valve to its urine storage compartment in adisposable bag. By doing this the pump then draws a cleaning fluid froma cleaning fluid storage compartment in the disposable bag through thedevice and against the user effectively rinsing and sanitizing the userand the device and then the pump reverses itself once again and depositsthe used cleaning fluid in the disposable urine storage bag;

another novel feature of the most preferred embodiment of this inventionis the utilization of a disposable battery power system that is attachedto the disposable bag. The disposable battery provides ample power topump up to 3.6 liters of urine and sufficient cleaning fluid toeffectively rinse and sanitize the user and the system and then depositthe used cleaning fluid into the storage bag. Prior art devices thatutilized rechargeable battery packs were not only heavy and expensive,but in many applications user's often neglect to charge the uniteffectively, or at all, and hence experience unit failure when they needit most;

yet another novel feature of the most preferred embodiment of thisinvention is the incorporation of a potable fluid source for userhydration. In this embodiment the urine storage means is attached to aback pack worn by the user which back pack also has the potable fluidcontainer attached thereto. A potable fluid delivery means allows a userto simply turn their head take the delivery means into their mouth anddraw the fluid into their moths thus hydrating. The potable fluid is notlimited to water, and can also be a source of dissolved food andnecessary electrolytes.

In all embodiments of the invention the disposable urine bag utilizessuper absorbent polymer crystals that have a gelling affect on the urineand may further have a urine deodorizer mixed within the crystals. Tofurther eliminate odors from the invention it utilizes a charcoal airfilter to filter the air that exits the disposable urine storage bagwhile in use.

the present invention also provides for ease of set up, use, urinestorage and disposal;

the present invention also provides for a means for a user to hydrate;and

the present invention also provides an advancement in ecologicalprotection by eliminating the need for disposal of environmentallydamaging and bulky diaper materials.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, will bepointed out with particularity in the claims are annexed to and forminga part of this patent application. For a better understanding of theinvention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained byits uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings anddescriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodimentsof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the female user embodiment.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the female user embodiment utilizingthe fully inflated inflatable embodiment of the female pad.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the female user embodiment utilizingthe fully deflated inflatable embodiment of the female pad.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention attached to a user and inuse.

FIG. 3 is an expanded cut-away perspective view of the female pad of thefemale user embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the inflatable embodiment of the femalepad of the female user embodiment when fully inflated as depicted inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the inflatable embodiment of the femalepad of the female user embodiment when fully deflated as depicted inFIG. 1B.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the male user embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of the male cup of the male userembodiment depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cut-away perspective view of the suction control unit.

FIG. 7 is a cut-away perspective view of the flow chamber.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the urine and cleaning fluid storage bagof the self cleaning embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the female user self cleaning embodimentutilizing the fully inflated inflatable embodiment of the female padwith the urine and cleaning fluid storage bag attached.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the backpack embodiment of the bladderrelief and hydration system.

FIG. 11 is a cutaway perspective view of the backpack embodiment of thebladder relief and hydration system.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

I. Preferred Embodiments

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1–11thereof, a new and novel apparatus for an automatic bladder relief andhydration system embodying the principles and concepts of the presentinvention and generally designated collectively comprising three maincomponents in the female user embodiment by the reference numeral 1 and11 in FIG. 1 and 73 in FIGS. 10 and 11, and in the male user embodimentby the reference numeral 1 and 57 in FIG. 4 and 73 in FIGS. 10 and 11.

List and Description of:

General Description of Reference Numerals in the Description andDrawings

Any actual dimensions listed are those of the preferred embodiment.Actual dimensions or exact hardware details and means may vary in afinal product or most preferred embodiment and should be consideredmeans for so as not to narrow the claims of the patent.

-   (1) Suction Control Unit-   (1A) Air Pump-   (2) Suction Vacuum Pump-   (3) Urine Collection Bag-   (5) DC Motor-   (7) Rechargeable Battery Pack-   (9) Recharge Circuitry-   (11) Female Pad-   (11A) Inflatable Female Pad-   (13) Suction Hose-   (13A) Combination Suction and Air Pressure Hose-   (17) Quick-Disconnect Hose Couplings-   (19) Power ON/OFF Button-   (21) Timed Interval ON/OFF Button-   (23) Vacuum Pump Impeller-   (25) Filter-   (27) Battery Pack-   (29) LCD Status Display-   (31) Flow Chamber-   (33) Suction Control Unit Air/Liquid Inlet-   (35) Suction Control Unit Liquid Outlet-   (37) Suction Control Unit Air Exhaust Outlet-   (39) Facing Layer (Female User Embodiment)-   (39M) Facing Layer (Male User Embodiment)-   (41) Wicking Layer (Female User Embodiment)-   (41M) Wicking Layer (Male User Embodiment)-   (42) Stability Wings-   (43) Urine Collection Layer (Female User Embodiment)-   (43A) Base Pad-   (43M) Urine Collection Layer (Male User Embodiment)-   (44) Air Cushion Tubing-   (44A) Air Pressure Hose Connection-   (45) Moisture-Proof Outer Layer (Female User Embodiment)-   (45M) Moisture-Proof Outer Layer (Male User Embodiment)-   (46) Outer Layer Wall (Female User Embodiment)-   (46M) Outer Layer Wall (Male User Embodiment)-   (47) One-Way Airflow Inlet Holes (Female User Embodiment)-   (48) One-Way Airflow Inlet Holes (Male User Embodiment)-   (49) Soft Sealing Strips-   (50) Isolation Membrane-   (51) Quick-Disconnect Plug-   (52) Cup Front-   (53) Inside Cup Area (Female User Embodiment)-   (53M) Inside Cup Area (Male User Embodiment)-   (55) Moisture Sensor-   (56) Urine Cavity-   (57) Male Cup-   (58) Air Exit Hole-   (59) Cleaning Fluid Compartment-   (60) One Way Cleaning Fluid Valve-   (61) Quick Connect Fluid and Electrical Connection-   (62) Super Absorbent Polymer Crystals-   (63) Urine Deodorizer-   (64) One Way Flow Valve Into Urine Collection Bag-   (65) Disposable Battery Pack-   (66) Charcoal Air Filter-   (67) Urine Discharge Hose-   (68) Hydration Hose-   (69) Potable Fluid Bag-   (70) Pack Wall-   (71) Strap Support-   (72) Strap-   (73) Backpack Bladder Relief and Hydration System-   (74) Access Port    Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments:    1. Suction Control Unit

The Suction Control Unit (1) is a re-usable piece of hardware containinga suction vacuum pump (2), DC motor (5), rechargeable battery pack (7)and recharge circuitry (9). A built-in, battery-powered suction vacuumpump (2) sucks the urine from the Male Cup (57) in the male userembodiment and Female Pad (11) of the female user embodiment through asuction hose (13) and deposits the collected fluid into a UrineCollection Bag (3). Quick-disconnect hose couplings (17) connect anddisconnect the Urine Collection Bag (3) and suction hose (13) from theSuction Control Unit (1). The Suction Control Unit (1) has two modes ofoperation: one power “ON/OFF” button (19) and one button that turns theunit “ON” and then “OFF” after a timed interval (21). A small,high-power DC motor is used, similar to those used in cordless vacuumcleaners. The DC motor (5) spins the vacuum pump impeller (23) toprovide the suction required to draw the urine from the urine cavity(56) of the Male Cup (57). The system uses a filter (25) of charcoal orother material to deodorize the exhaust air. In the preferredembodiment, a battery pack (27) of rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride(NIMH) batteries are used to provide the power supply for the DC motor(5). A two-digit LCD Status Display (29) with backlight indicates theamount of time remaining in the battery charge, and the number ofbladder relieves left in the power supply charge. There are other powersupplies available for other applications of this invention, fromlithium batteries to 110-volt wall outlets. The recharge circuitryallows the battery pack to be plugged into a wall outlet for rechargingwithout damaging the batteries.

A flow chamber (31) is contained in the Suction Control Unit (5). Theflow chamber (31) begins at the Suction Control Unit Air/Liquid Inlet(33) and ends at both the Suction Control Unit Liquid Outlet (35) andthe Suction Control Unit air exhaust outlet (37). This flow chamber (31)separates moisture from the vacuum airflow and channels the liquid tothe Suction Control Unit Liquid Outlet (35) and the air to the SuctionControl Unit Air Exhaust Outlet (37). The Suction Control Unit AirExhaust Outlet (37) is fitted with a deodorizing air Filter (25).

2. Male Cup

The Male Cup (57) is a disposable soft cup, approximately the same sizeand shape as a men's athletic protective cup. FIG. 5 shows a cut-awayview of a Male Cup (37). The cup has four layers: a facing layer (39M),wicking layer (41M), urine collection layer (43M) and Moisture ProofOuter Layer (45M). The Moisture Proof Outer Layer (45M) is attached toand contains the facing layer (39M), wicking layer (41M), urinecollection layer (43M) along the edges thereof by means of the OuterLayer Wall (46M). A Urine Cavity (56) is defined by the urine collectionlayer (43M) and the Moisture Proof Outer Layer (45M) in the inside cuparea (53M). The facing layer (39M), which lies against the skin, is madeof a soft, non-woven, non-absorbent polymer. The wicking layer (41M) ismade of a woven polymer. It pulls moisture away from the facing layer(39M) and prevents it from going back through the facing layer (39M),much like a one-way fluid check valve. The urine collection layer (43M)is made of an open cell foam material or other material capable ofcollecting fluid, and provides a Urine Cavity (56) in its placementjuxtaposed to the Moisture Proof Outer Layer (45M) for the vacuumsuction airflow produced by the Suction Vacuum Pump (2) to suck fluidsand moisture out of the Male Cup (57) and away from the body.

One-way airflow inlet holes (48) in the top of the Male Cup (57)facilitate the evacuation of liquids and provide air flow for drying theMale Cup's (57) layers. An isolation membrane (50) made of a thin,flexible material such as silicon rubber comfortably keeps a man's penisinside the Male Cup (57) compartment and prevents any leaking. The cupfront (52) is made of a stretchable material such as silicon rubber thatopens automatically to accommodate size changes.

The suction hose (13) at the front of the Male Cup (57) is connected tothe Suction Control Unit (1). The Suction Control Unit (1) sucks allfluids from the Male Cup (57) through the suction hose (13) and depositsthem into the Urine Collection Bag (3). In the preferred embodiment, theflexible, disposable suction hose (13) is outfitted with aquick-disconnect plug (51) on the end that connects to the SuctionControl Unit (1). The suction hose (13) may be made of a convoluted,easily bendable material with spiral construction. This allows a smallerbending radius so that the suction hose (13) can be stowed in a person'sclothing or flight suit while not in use, and permits all of the urineto drain out of the suction hose (13).

The Moisture-Proof Outer Layer (45M) of the Male Cup (57) is made ofdense rubber to hold the Male Cup (57) in place. The Male Cup (57) isalso held in place with a standard athletic jock strap. Most of theouter portion of the Male Cup (57) is constructed of soft rubber.

3. Urine Collection Bag in Male User Embodiment

The system is compatible with many types of Urine Collection Bags (3)including a disposable plastic bag containing super absorbent polymercrystals with a 500 cc urine capacity, and a larger, 1600 cc capacityUrine Collection Bag (3). Users who do not want to wear a UrineCollection Bag (3) for a long period of time can use smaller UrineCollection Bags (3). A zip lock top on the smaller Urine Collection Bags(3) allows its use as a standard piddle pack. Users who prefer not tochange Urine Collection Bags (3) after each urination can wear a largerleg or pocket Urine Collection Bag (3). A quick-disconnect similar tothe quick-disconnect plug (51) can also be built into the UrineCollection Bags (3) for easy attachment and replacement.

Use by Male Air Crew Members

The Suction Control Unit (1) can be packaged to double as a pilot'skneeboard as depicted in FIG. 2. The knee-board is molded and adjustableto fit the curve of the thigh. The aircrew member can carry the SuctionControl Unit (1) in his helmet bag or wear it strapped to a thighwithout giving the appearance of wearing bladder relief equipment. Thequick-disconnect plug (51) hose couplings allow aircrew members to waituntil they are seated in their aircraft or until they have to urinate toconnect the Urine Collection Bag (3) and the suction hose (13) of theMale Cup (57) to the Suction Control Unit (1). The size and shape of theUrine Collection Bag (3) is designed to fit within the limited confinesof the aircraft cockpit and navigator's seat. Piddle packs used by somemale pilots are too long and difficult to open to its full length in acockpit.

Use for Male Urinary Incontinence

Wheelchair users require a quieter, more discreet version of the SuctionControl Unit (1) (i.e. with concealed hoses). The Suction Control Unit(1) can be mounted to the person's wheelchair and the hoses concealedunder the person's clothing. Many urinary incontinent adults are not inwheelchairs, but are bedridden. A larger urine collection bag (3) thatdoes not contain super-absorbent polymer can be attached to the SuctionControl Unit (1) that can be emptied and reused. For ambulatory adultsand children, a quiet Suction Control Unit (1) can be housed in a fannypack that can also hold a concealed Urine Collection Bag (3).

Many urinary incontinent adults do not know in advance that they areabout to urinate. It is therefore impractical to expect them to activatethe Suction Control Unit (1) before urinating. Instead, a moisturesensor (55) is installed in the Male Cup (57) to automatically activatethe Suction Control Unit (1) when moisture is sensed in the urine cavity(56).

4. Suction Control Unit in Use with Female User Embodiment

The Suction Control Unit (1) is a reusable piece of hardware containinga suction vacuum pump (2), DC motor (5), rechargeable battery pack (7)and recharge circuitry (9). A built-in, battery-powered suction vacuumpump (2) sucks the urine from the Female Pad (11) through a suction hose(13) at the front of pad and deposits the urine into a Urine CollectionBag (3). Quick-disconnect hose couplings (17) connect and disconnect theUrine Collection Bag (3) and the suction hose (13) from the SuctionControl Unit (1). The Suction Control Unit (1) has two modes ofoperation: one power “ON/OFF” button (19) and one button that turns theunit “ON” and then “OFF” after a timed interval (21).

A small, high-power DC motor (5) is used, similar to those used incordless vacuum cleaners. The DC motor (5) spins the vacuum pumpimpeller (23) to provide the suction required to draw the urine from theFemale Pad (11). The system uses a filter (25) of charcoal or othermaterial to deodorize the exhaust air. In the preferred embodiment, abattery pack (27) of rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride (NIMH) batteriesare used to provide the power supply for the DC motor. A two-digit LCDStatus Display (29) with backlight indicates the amount of timeremaining in the battery charge, and the number of bladder relieves leftin the power supply charge. There are other power supplies available forother applications of this invention, from lithium batteries to 110-voltwall outlets. The recharge circuitry allows the battery pack (27) to beplugged into a wall outlet for recharging without damaging thebatteries.

A flow chamber (31) is contained in the Suction Control Unit (1). Theflow chamber (31) begins at the Suction Control Unit Air/Liquid Inlet(33) and ends at both the Suction Control Unit Liquid Outlet (35) andthe Suction Control Unit Air Exhaust Outlet (37). This flow chamber (31)separates moisture from the vacuum airflow and channels the liquid tothe Suction Control Unit Liquid Outlet (35) and the air to the SuctionControl Unit Air Exhaust Outlet (37). The Suction Control Unit AirExhaust Outlet (37) is fitted with a deodorizing air filter (25).

5. Female Pad

The Female Pad (11) is a disposable urine collection pad similar in sizeto a large feminine pad used for menstruation. FIG. 3 shows an expandedview of the Female Pad (11). The Female Pad (11) has four layers: afacing layer (39), wicking layer (41), urine collection layer (43) andmoisture-proof outer layer (45). The Moisture Proof Outer Layer (45) isattached to and contains the facing layer (39), wicking layer (41),urine collection layer (43) along the edges thereof by means of theOuter Layer Wall (46). A Urine Cavity (56) is defined by the urinecollection layer (43) and the Moisture Proof Outer Layer (45) in theinside cup area (53). The facing layer (39), which lies directly againstthe skin, is made of a soft, non-woven, non-absorbent polymer. Thewicking layer (41) is made of a woven polymer. It pulls moisture awayfrom the facing layer (39) and prevents it from going back through thefacing layer (39), much like a one-way fluid check valve. The urinecollection layer (43) is made of open cell foam or other materialcapable of collecting fluid, and provides a Urine Cavity (56) in itsplacement juxtaposed to the Moisture Proof Outer Layer (45) for thevacuum suction airflow produced by the Suction Vacuum Pump (2) to suckfluids and moisture out of the Female Pad (11) and away from the body.The Moisture Proof Outer Layer (45), a moisture-proof barrier made ofsoft, flexible plastic, wraps around the sides of the Female Pad (11) toprevent side leakage.

One-way airflow inlet holes (47) in the back end of the Female Pad (11)facilitate the evacuation of liquids and provide air flow for drying theFemale Pad's (11) layers. The Female Pad (11) has a contoured shape fora more comfortable and reliable fit. Soft sealing strips (49) around theFemale Pad (11) face perimeter prevent side leaks. The Female Pad (11)is held in place with a comfortable but sturdy undergarment available inwomen's apparel stores.

The suction hose (13) at the front of the Female Pad (11) is connectedto the Suction Control Unit (1). The Suction Control Unit (1) sucks allfluids from the Female Pad (11) through the suction hose (13) anddeposits them into the Urine Collection Bag (3). In the preferredembodiment, the flexible, disposable suction hose (13) is outfitted witha quick-disconnect plug (51) on the end that connects to the SuctionControl Unit (1). The suction hose (13) may be made of a convoluted,easily bendable material with spiral construction. This allows a smallerbending radius so that the suction hose (13) can be stowed in a person'sclothing or flight suit while not in use, and permits all of the urineto drain out of the suction hose (13).

6. Urine Collection Bag in Female User Embodiment

The system is compatible with many types of Urine Collection Bags (3)including a disposable plastic bag containing super absorbent polymercrystals with a 500 cc urine capacity, and a larger, 1600 cc capacitybag. Users who do not want to wear a Urine Collection Bag (3) for a longperiod of time can use smaller Urine Collection Bags (3). Users whoprefer not to change Urine Collection Bags (3) after each urination canwear a larger leg or pocket Urine Collection Bags (3). Aquick-disconnect similar to the quick-disconnect plug (51) can also bebuilt into the Urine Collection Bags (3) for easy attachment andreplacement.

7. Inflatable Urine Collection Means Embodiment

As depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A, & 3B the urine collection means of thepresent invention may also be made of a Base Pad (43A) to which isattached at least one inflatable Air Cushion Tubing (44) that areinflated by the user prior to urination by activation of the Air Pump(1A) that is housed inside Suction Control Unit (1). The activated AirPump (1A) pumps air into one or more Air Cushion Tubing (44) through theair hose portion of the Combined Suction and Air Pressure Hose (13A) andis connected by the Air Pressure Hose Connection (44A), which AirCushion Tubing (44) when inflated forms an area where discharged urinefrom the user may pool without contact with the user and then betransported by suction through the suction hose portion of the CombinedSuction and Air Pressure Hose (13A) by the vacuum suction airflowproduced by the Suction Vacuum Pump (2) of the Suction Control Unit (1)that suck fluids and moisture out of the Inflatable Female Pad (11A) andaway from the user's body. The Suction Control Unit (1) then transportsthe suctioned urine into the Urine Collection Bag (3). After use the AirPump (1A) is deactivated and the Air Cushion Tubing (44) deflates bymeans of compression brought on by the user's body weight after usereturning the urine collection means to a flatter and more comfortablecondition for the user. In its inflated condition the inflatable urinecollection means provides a contained area for the pooling of the user'surine away from the body permitting the urine to be transported by theurine transport means and minimizing the opportunity for the urine tocome in contact with the user's body or genital area. The InflatableFemale Pad (11A) has a contoured shape for a more comfortable andreliable fit. Stability Wings (42) attached to the sides of theInflatable Female Pad (11A) serve to hold the Inflatable Female Pad(11A) in proper position on the user and prevent side leaks. TheInflatable Female Pad (11A) is held in place with a comfortable butsturdy undergarment available in women's apparel stores.

The Combination Suction and Air Pressure Hose (13A) at the front of theInflatable Female Pad (11A) is connected to the Suction Control Unit(1). The Suction Control Unit (1) sucks all fluids from the InflatableFemale Pad (11A) through the Combination Suction and Air Pressure Hose(13A) and deposits them into the Urine Collection Bag (3). In thepreferred embodiment, the flexible, disposable Combination Suction andAir Pressure Hose (13A) is outfitted with a connection means on the endthat connects to the Air Pressure Hose Connection (44A). The CombinationSuction and Air Pressure Hose (13A) may be made of a convoluted, easilybendable material with spiral construction. This allows a smallerbending radius so that the Combination Suction and Air Pressure Hose(13A) can be stowed in a person's clothing or flight suit while not inuse, and permits all of the urine to drain out of the CombinationSuction and Air Pressure Hose (13A).

In yet another embodiment the Air Cushion Tubing (44) contains an opencell foam as a failsafe measure in the event of a failure of the AirPump (1A), such that a user may slightly elevate their body allowing theAir Cushion Tubing (44) to decompress as the open cell foam takes on itsdecompressed shape and size once relieved of the user's seated bodyweight thereby forming an effective leak resistant urine collection ordepository area for evacuation by the urine transport means wheninflated.

While not depicted, one ordinarily skilled in the art could apply thisinflatable design to a cup designed to accommodate a male user and basedupon the teaching of this invention such a male embodiment would beobvious.

Use by Female Air Crew Members

The Suction Control Unit (1) can be packaged to double as a pilot'skneeboard as depicted in FIG. 2. The kneeboard is molded and adjustableto fit the curve of the thigh. The aircrew member can carry the SuctionControl Unit (1) in her helmet bag or wear it strapped to a thighwithout giving the appearance of wearing bladder relief equipment. Thequick-disconnect plug (51) suction hose (13) couplings allow aircrewmembers to wait until they are seated in their aircraft or until theyhave to urinate to connect the Urine Collection Bag (3) and the FemalePad (11) suction hose (13) to the Suction Control Unit (1). The size andshape of the Urine Collection Bag (13) is designed to fit within thelimited confines of the aircraft cockpit and navigator's seat

Use for Female Urinary Incontinence

Wheelchair users require a quieter, more discreet version of the SuctionControl Unit (1) (i.e. with concealed hoses). The Suction Control Unit(1) can be mounted to the person's wheelchair and the hoses concealedunder the person's clothing. Many urinary incontinent adults are not inwheelchairs, but are bedridden. A larger urine collection bag (3) thatdoes not contain super absorbent polymer can be attached to the SuctionControl Unit (1) that can be emptied and reused. For ambulatory adultsand children, a quiet Suction Control Unit (1) can be housed in a fannypack that can also hold a concealed Urine Collection Bag (3).

Many urinary incontinent adults do not know in advance that they areabout to urinate. It is therefore impractical to expect them to activatethe Suction Control Unit (1) before urinating. Instead, a moisturesensor (55) is installed in the Female Pad (11) to automaticallyactivate the Suction Control Unit (1) when moisture is sensed in theurine cavity (56).

Summary of Incontinent User Embodiments:

A quieter, more discreet version of the Suction Control Unit (1) forwheelchair users (i.e. with concealed hoses). The Suction Control Unit(1) could be mounted to the person's wheelchair and the suction hoses(13) concealed under the person's clothing. Many urinary incontinentadults are not in wheelchairs, but are bedridden. A larger urinecollection bag (3) that does not contain super-absorbent polymer can beused that can be emptied by staff/care-givers and reused.

Many urinary incontinent adults do not know in advance that they areabout to urinate. It is therefore impractical to expect them to activatethe suction control unit (1) before urinating. Instead, a moisturesensor (55) can be installed in the Female Pad (11) and Male Cup (57)that will automatically activate the Suction Control Unit (1) whenmoisture is sensed in the urine cavity (56).

8. Most Preferred Embodiment—Disposable Power Source and SelfCleaning—Hydration System

The most preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes the InflatableUrine Collection Means Embodiment as depicted in FIG. 9 wherein theurine collection means of the present invention is comprised of a BasePad (43A) to which is attached at least one inflatable Air CushionTubing (44) that are inflated either automatically or by the user priorto urination by activation of the Air Pump (1A) that is housed insideSuction Control Unit (1).

The Urine Collection Bag (3) in this embodiment provides five importantfunctions for the invention; 1) it serves as a storage area for userdischarged urine; 2) it serves as a power source for the inventionhaving operatively attached thereto one or more disposable batteries; 3)it serves as a storage area for a cleaning fluid; 4) it contains agelling agent and a deodorizing agent to contain and control the user'sdischarged urine and any effluvia that it may produce; and 5) itprovides a hydration feature allowing a user to orally take in fluidhydration

As depicted in FIGS. 8–11, the Urine Collection Bag (3) is attached tothe Suction Control Unit (1) by means of a Quick Connect Fluid andElectrical Connection (61) which electrically connects the UrineCollection Bag (3) Disposable Battery Pack (65) to the Suction ControlUnit (1) providing electrical current for all electrically operatedcomponents of the Suction Control Unit (1). The Quick Connect Fluid andElectrical Connection (61) also provides a leakproof connection to theSuction Control Unit (1) such that as fluids pass in and out of theUrine Collection Bag (3) do not leak from the invention. Once theinvention is activated and a user is urinating, the Suction Control Unit(1) either by pumping or discharge from suction causes the urine to flowinto the Urine Collection Bag (3) passing it through the Quick ConnectFluid and Electrical Connection (61) through the One Way Flow Valve Intothe Urine Collection Bag (64) where the urine is then absorbed by theSuper Absorbent Polymer Crystals (62) which urine is in turn deodorizedby the Urine Deodorizer (63) that is mixed in with the Super AbsorbentPolymer Crystals (62). Upon completion of urination, either manually orautomatically, the Suction Control Unit (1) begins the cleaning processby reversing the pumping or suction direction thereby drawing a cleaningfluid from the Cleaning Fluid Compartment (59) of the Urine CollectionBag (3) through the One Way Cleaning Fluid Valve (60) into the SuctionControl Unit (1) and ultimately back to the user thereby rinsing,cleaning and sanitizing the user and all parts of the invention notintended to store urine that have come in contact with the user's urine.Once the user and the invention are rinsed, cleaned and sanitized thepumping or suction action of the Suction Control Unit (1) is once againeither manually or automatically reversed and the used cleaning fluid isthen pumped or discharged from suction back into the Urine CollectionBag (3) passing it through the Quick Connect Fluid and ElectricalConnection (61) through the One Way Flow Valve Into the Urine CollectionBag (64) where the used cleaning fluid is also absorbed by the SuperAbsorbent Polymer Crystals (62) which used cleaning fluid also is inturn deodorized by the Urine Deodorizer (63) that is mixed in with theSuper Absorbent Polymer Crystals (62). Air pressure in the UrineCollection Bag (3) is regulated by the flow of air through the Air ExitHole (58) and the effluvia is further controlled by causing the air thatexits the Air Exit Hole (58) to first pass through a Charcoal Air Filter(66).

During urination the activated Air Pump (1A) pumps air into one or moreAir Cushion Tubing (44) through the air hose portion of the CombinedSuction and Air Pressure Hose (13A) and is connected by the Air PressureHose Connection (44A), which Air Cushion Tubing (44) when inflated formsan area where discharged urine from the user may pool without contactwith the user and then be transported by suction through the suctionhose portion of the Combined Suction and Air Pressure Hose (13A) by thevacuum suction airflow produced by the Suction Vacuum Pump (2) of theSuction Control Unit (1) that suck fluids and moisture out of theInflatable Female Pad (11A) and away from the user's body. The SuctionControl Unit (1) then transports the suctioned urine into the UrineCollection Bag (3) and the cleans the unit as stated above. After useand cleaning the Air Pump (1A) is deactivated and the Air Cushion Tubing(44) deflates by means of compression brought on by the user's bodyweight after use returning the urine collection means to a flatter andmore comfortable condition for the user. In its inflated condition theinflatable urine collection means provides a contained area for thepooling of the user's urine away from the body permitting the urine tobe transported by the urine transport means and minimizing theopportunity for the urine to come in contact with the user's body orgenital area. The Inflatable Female Pad (11A) has a contoured shape fora more comfortable and reliable fit. Stability Wings (42) attached tothe sides of the Inflatable Female Pad (11A) serve to hold theInflatable Female Pad (11A) in proper position on the user and preventside leaks. The Inflatable Female Pad (11A) is held in place with acomfortable but sturdy undergarment available in women's apparel stores.

The Combination Suction and Air Pressure Hose (13A) at the front of theInflatable Female Pad (11A) is connected to the Suction Control Unit(1). The Suction Control Unit (1) sucks all fluids from the InflatableFemale Pad (11A) through the Combination Suction and Air Pressure Hose(13A) and deposits them into the Urine Collection Bag (3). In this mostpreferred embodiment, the flexible, disposable Combination Suction andAir Pressure Hose (13A) is outfitted with a connection means on the endthat connects to the Air Pressure Hose Connection (44A). The CombinationSuction and Air Pressure Hose (13A) may be made of a convoluted, easilybendable material with spiral construction. This allows a smallerbending radius so that the Combination Suction and Air Pressure Hose(13A) can be stowed in a person's clothing or flight suit while not inuse, and permits all of the urine to drain out of the CombinationSuction and Air Pressure Hose (13A).

In this most preferred embodiment the Air Cushion Tubing (44) containsan open cell foam as a failsafe measure in the event of a failure of theAir Pump (1A), such that a user may slightly elevate their body allowingthe Air Cushion Tubing (44) to decompress as the open cell foam takes onits decompressed shape and size once relieved of the user's seated bodyweight thereby forming an effective leak resistant urine collection ordepository area for evacuation by the urine transport means wheninflated.

Another feature of the most preferred embodiment is the incorporation ofa hydration system. The Backpack Bladder Relief and Hydration System(73) as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 is shown as a pack worn by a usersimilar to any knapsack by placing the Straps (72) over the users'sshoulders. A user can also wear a Hazmat suit or Chem-suit over thedevice allowing urination and hydration to take place without anyexposure outside the safety of the suit. The Straps (72) are attached tothe Backpack Bladder Relief and Hydration System (73) by Strap Supports(71). The Backpack Bladder Relief and Hydration System (73) is put on bya user similar to a knapsack and the urine collection means, either aFemale Pad (11), an Inflatable Female Pad (11A), or a standard orinflatable Male Cup (57) is generally held in place covering thegenitalia of the user by the user's underwear. The user selected urinecollection means is attached by means of a Air Pressure Hose Connection(44A) to the Suction Hose (13) through which the user's discharged urineas described above is drawn by the Suction Control Unit (1) (nowcontained and carried by the user in the Backpack Bladder Relief andHydration System (73)) and discharged through the Urine Discharge Hose(67) inside the Backpack Bladder Relief and Hydration System (73) to theUrine Collection Bag (3) where the urine is absorbed by the SuperAbsorbent Polymer Crystals (62) which used the cleaning fluid asdescribed above also and is in turn deodorized by the Urine Deodorizer(63) that is mixed in with the Super Absorbent Polymer Crystals (62).The Backpack Bladder Relief and Hydration System (73) is dividedinternally into two compartments by the Pack Wall (70). The UrineCollection Bag (3) is stored in one compartment and the hydration meansis stored in the second compartment. The hydration means is comprised ofa Potable Fluid Bag (69) and a Hydration Hose (68) that extends out ofthe Backpack Bladder Relief and Hydration System (73) over the shoulderof the user where it remains in an accessible proximity to the user'smouth so that the user may simply turn their head, take the HydrationHose (68) end into their mouth and gently suck to draw fluids into theirmouth. The user can use any type of fluid, like water, protein drinks orelectrolytes according to their needs. For ease of replacement of theUrine Collection Bag (3) the Backpack Bladder Relief and HydrationSystem (73) has an Access Port (74) that is easily opened and the UrineCollection Bag (3) may then be replaced. Once the used Urine CollectionBag (3) is removed and a new one put in its place, the Backpack BladderRelief and Hydration System (73) may then be resealed by closing theAccess Port (74).

The Backpack Bladder Relief and Hydration System (73) may also beincorporated into and become part of a Hazmat suit or Chem-suit thuseliminating the necessity of first putting on a separate pack and thenthe suit, rather the features of the Backpack Bladder Relief andHydration System (73) would be incorporated right into the suit. TheBackpack Bladder Relief and Hydration System (73) also incorporates allthe listed features above, i.e automatic urine detection and storage,disposable battery urine collection bags, as wells as the self cleaningfeatures as described.

While my above descriptions of the invention, its parts, and operationscontains many specificities, these should not be construed aslimitations on the scope of the invention, but rather asexemplifications of present embodiments thereof. Many other variationsare possible, for example, other embodiments, shapes, and sizes of thedevice can be constructed to fit on a user and work with a unit designedto work by the principles of the present invention; various materials,pumps, colors and configurations can be employed in the unit's designthat would provide interesting embodiment differences to users includingsuch practical designs as would, for instance conceal the unit.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by theembodiments illustrated, but by the claims and their legal equivalentsas filed herewith.

1. An automatic bladder relief and hydration system comprised of: apotable fluid storage means; a potable fluid to user delivery meansattached to the potable fluid storage means; a urine depository means; aurine transport means attached to the wine depository means; a urinestorage means attached to the urine transport means wherein the urinestorage means is comprised of: a leakproof storage bag wherein theleakproof storage bag is comprised of a urine storage compartment and acleaning fluid compartment; a disposable power source means; a cleaningmeans wherein the cleaning means is comprised of; a urination completionsensor capable of detecting the completion of a user's urination in theurine depository means; a cleaning fluid pump; a cleaning fluidcontained in the cleaning fluid compartment; and a urination completiondetection signal transmission means attached to the urination completionsensor and the cleaning means capable of activating the cleaning fluidpump by transmitting a signal thereto when the urination completionsensor detects the user's completion of urination, thereby pumping thecleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid compartment through the urinetransport means to the urine depository means to the user and then tothe urine storage compartment thereby cleaning away a user's residualurine from the automatic bladder relief system and depositing the user'sresidual urine and the pumped cleaning fluid in the urine storagecompartment of the leakproof storage bag; the urine depository means iscomprised of: a base pad; at least one air cushion tubing attached tothe base pad; and an air pump attached to the air cushion tubing suchthat when the air pump is activated the air cushion tubing inflates froma generally flat condition to an inflated condition thereby forming withthe base pad an area where urine discharged by a user can pool generallyaway from contact with the user's body and then the pooled urine can betransported by the transport means and upon deactivation of the air pumpthe air cushion tubing discharges the pumped air by means of compressioncaused by the user's seated body weight and returns to the generallyflat condition.
 2. An automatic bladder relief and hydration systemcomprised of: a potable fluid storage means; a potable fluid to userdelivery means attached to the potable fluid storage means; a urinedepository means; a urine detection means attached to the urinedepository means; a urine transport means attached to the urinedepository means and the urine detection means wherein the urinetransport means is activated to transport urine from the urinedepository means by the urine detection means when urine is present inthe urine depository means; a urine storage means attached to the urinetransport means wherein the urine storage means is comprised of: aleakproof storage bag wherein the leakproof storage bag is comprised ofa urine storage compartment and a cleaning fluid compartment; adisposable power source means; a cleaning means wherein the cleaningmeans is comprised of; a urination completion sensor capable ofdetecting the completion of a user's urination in the urine depositorymeans; a cleaning fluid pump; a cleaning fluid contained in the cleaningfluid compartment; and a urination completion detection signaltransmission means attached to the urination completion sensor and thecleaning means capable of activating the cleaning fluid pump bytransmitting a signal thereto when the urination completion sensordetects the user's completion of urination, thereby pumping the cleaningfluid from the cleaning fluid compartment through the urine transportmeans to the urine depository means to the user and then to the urinestorage compartment thereby cleaning away a user's residual urine fromthe automatic bladder relief system and depositing the user's residualurine and the pumped cleaning fluid in the urine storage compartment ofthe leakproof storage bag; the urine depository means is comprised of: abase pad; at least one air cushion tubing attached to the base pad; andan air pump attached to the air cushion tubing such that when the airpump is activated the air cushion tubing inflates from a generally flatcondition to an inflated condition thereby forming with the base pad anarea where urine discharged by a user can pool generally away fromcontact with the user's body and then the pooled urine can betransported by the transport means and upon deactivation of the air pumpthe air cushion tubing discharges the pumped air by means of compressioncaused by the user's seated body weight and returns to the generallyflat condition.
 3. The automatic bladder relief and hydration system ofclaim 1 wherein the urine transport means is a fluid pump.
 4. Theautomatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 2 wherein theurine transport means is a fluid pump.
 5. The automatic bladder reliefand hydration system of claim 3 wherein the fluid pump further comprisesthe cleaning means wherein the pump also functions as a cleaning fluidpump.
 6. The automatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 4wherein the fluid pump further comprises the cleaning means wherein thepump also functions as a cleaning fluid pump.
 7. The automatic bladderrelief and hydration system of claim 1 wherein the urine transport meansis a suction pump.
 8. The automatic bladder relief and hydration systemof claim 2 wherein the urine transport means is a suction pump.
 9. Theautomatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 1 wherein theurine transport means is controlled manually by a user by the means of aswitch.
 10. The automatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 2wherein the urine detection means is comprised of: a urine sensorcapable of detecting the presence of a fluid in the urine depositorymeans; and a urine detection signal transmission means attached to theurine sensor and the urine transport means activating the urinetransport means by transmitting a signal thereto when the urine sensordetects the presence of the fluid.
 11. The automatic bladder relief andhydration system of claim 1 wherein the leakproof storage bag iscomprised of: at least one air vent that allows only air to escape. 12.The automatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 2 wherein theleakproof storage bag is comprised of: at least one air vent that allowsonly air to escape.
 13. The automatic bladder relief and hydrationsystem of claim 11 wherein the leakproof storage bag contains absorbentpolymer crystals.
 14. The automatic bladder relief and hydration systemof claim 12 wherein the leakproof storage bag contains absorbent polymercrystals.
 15. The automatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim1 wherein the urine transport means is powered by DC electrical current.16. The automatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 2 whereinthe urine transport means is powered by DC electrical current.
 17. Theautomatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 1 wherein theurine transport means is powered by AC electrical current.
 18. Theautomatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 2 wherein theurine transport means is powered by AC electrical current.
 19. Theautomatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 11 wherein thedisposable power source means is attached to the leakproof storage bag.20. The automatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 12wherein the disposable power source means is attached to the leakproofstorage bag.
 21. The automatic bladder relief and hydration system ofclaim 19 wherein the disposable power source means is at least onedisposable battery.
 22. The automatic bladder relief and hydrationsystem of claim 20 wherein the disposable power source means is at leastone disposable battery.
 23. The automatic bladder relief and hydrationsystem of claim 1 wherein the air cushion tubing is also comprised of: afoam insert of open cell composition which when placed under compressionby the user's seated body weight allows the air cushion tubing tomaintain a generally flat condition and the foam of open cellcomposition when relieved of the user's seated body weight causes theair cushion tubing to expand to a condition resembling the air cushiontubing inflated condition.
 24. The automatic bladder relief andhydration system of claim 2 wherein the air cushion tubing is alsocomprised of: a foam insert of open cell composition which when placedunder compression by the user's seated body weight allows the aircushion tubing to maintain a generally flat condition and the foam ofopen cell composition when relieved of the user's seated body weightcauses the air cushion tubing to expand to a condition resembling theair cushion tubing inflated condition.
 25. The automatic bladder reliefand hydration system of claim 1 wherein the potable fluid storage meansand the urine storage means are contained in a backpack.
 26. Theautomatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 2 wherein thepotable fluid storage means and the urine storage means are contained ina backpack.
 27. The automatic bladder relief and hydration system ofclaim 1 wherein the potable fluid storage means and the urine storagemeans are contained in a hazmat, biohazard or chemical resistant suit.28. The automatic bladder relief and hydration system of claim 2 whereinthe potable fluid storage means and the urine storage means arecontained in a hazmat, biohazard or chemical resistant suit.